With reference to verse 104 of Surah Al Tauba (9:104) Huzoor^(aba) delivered his Friday Sermon on the merits of almsgiving and prayer (Sadqa and dua). Huzoor^(aba) referred to an earlier Friday Sermon of his where he had mentioned that at times when childless/barren couples give alms in the name of the child that is not yet born, Allah so wills and grants them with children. Huzoor^(aba) said in response to this he has received correspondence from some who misunderstood him to have said that almsgiving in this manner guarantees one is blessed with off spring. Huzoor^(aba) stressed that he could not possibly say something that he has no right to say. He said it is all dependant on Allah’s will and advised that he is listened to carefully. Explaining the philosophy of almsgiving Huzoor^(aba) said one ought to spend in the way of Allah without any ‘conditions’ attached to the act of charity and should never assume that almsgiving would ensure that Allah would accept one’s dua and wish. Indeed when one’s prayer is not apparently accepted Allah makes it work at other times. Our task is to unconditionally turn to Him and spend in His way, it is not possible that Allah would not reward any sincere endeavour made in His cause.

The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) said that it is for a Muslim to give alms no matter how little he/she has, so much so that one who has absolutely nothing to give should act on what is good and shun what is evil with the intention of it being a sadqa. With the example of a lengthy hadith Huzoor^(aba) expounded that such is the blessing of sadqa that even if it appears to have gone to a wrong and apparently ill-deserving person Allah makes it work in a positive way within the given situation. Out of their love and affection for him, when the blessed wives of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) asked him as to which one of them would be the first to join him in the hereafter, he had replied that the one who spent the most in the way of Allah. The Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) said that sadqa cools off Allah’s wrath and evades death in a wicked state.

Reading excerpts from the writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) Huzoor^(aba) said that sadqa eludes trouble, even the trouble that is foretold and warned about, indeed 124,000 prophets of God concurred that sadqa evades trouble. It is Allah’s intent that one who repents and gives alms is saved.

Huzoor^(aba) said some people do not pay attention to dua and perhaps give alms nonchalantly, however, in times of trouble they write to those who are holy and indeed the Khalifa of the day almost demanding that their prayers are fulfilled to the point of holding the person they are requesting for prayers, to accountability. Reading an excerpt of the Khalifa tul Masih I (may Allah be pleased with him) Huzoor^(aba) responded to such oddballs. He said some people ask for prayers to be made for them as if I am an agent of God, whereas I am a mere humble servant of God, indeed to show humility is my task. I do not know the unknown and I no angels speaks from within me. Only God’s knowledge is perfect and His influence is perfect, therefore turn to Him alone. Huzoor^(aba) said some women show weakness in the belief of asking certain holy people for prayers, Huzoor^(aba) said if anyone’s intercession is valid it is of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) therefore one must invoke blessings on him through salat-un-nabi. (Durood Sharif)

With reference to the writings of the Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) Huzoor^(aba) expounded the philosophy of dua in that at times Allah listen to His servants but at other times He wills that His servants listen to Him and that this is a friendly matter. Along with the acceptance of tremendous magnificence that the prayers of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings be on him) received he also endured extreme hardships. In that sense those who rush to ‘holy’ people for dua are unaware of the reality of dua. The Promised Messiah (on whom be peace) laid great stress on Istaghfar (seeking forgiveness from Allah). He enjoined that Istaghfar rescues one from the bad effects of sins that one has committed as well as obliterating the sins that one has not yet committed.

In conclusion Huzoor^(aba) announced the sad news of the passing away of respected Mrs. Majeeda Shahnawaz, a lady of great stature of the Community. Huzoor^(aba) read out details of her long services to the Community, paying her enormous tribute. With reference to the topic of today’s Sermon, Huzoor^(aba) said she was an excellent example of spending in the way of Allah.